Valve Element

ABSTRACT

A one-way valve element for use with containers such as flexible storage bags includes an elastomeric or similar material that can elastically expand to expose and at least substantially resiliently recover to cover an aperture through a sidewall of the container. Hence, air from the interior volume of the container can be evacuated through the valve element by, for example, interfacing an evacuation device with the valve element. The valve element can be provided as a single layer structure or a multiple layered structure that is attached to the sidewall of the container over the aperture. In another aspect, a valve element includes a gel-like material retained in a valve body and that can displace to allow air flow across the valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flexible plastic bags are widely used for a variety of purposes such as storing food items, either temporarily as in the case of packaging snacks or long term as in the case of freezer storage. Plastic bags of this style typically include flexible sidewalls made from, for example, polyethylene, that provide an opening and an internal or interior volume accessible through the opening. To seal the bag, interlocking closure strips may be provided about the rim of the opening.

One common problem which occurs with such bags is that, after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in the interior volume. In addition to undesirably increasing the overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause spoilage of food items stored in the interior volume.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various aspects, the invention provides a one-way valve element and methods of its use that can be used with a flexible storage bag that is inexpensive and simple to make and use. Furthermore, in other aspects, the invention provides a flexible storage bag having a one-way valve element attached thereto. In a particular aspect, the valve element can be a strip or layer of elastomeric material that is adhered over an aperture disposed through the sidewall of the storage bag. Because of the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material, the valve element can be displaced with respect to the sidewall thereby uncovering the aperture and allowing air from the interior volume to move through the aperture. After the air has exhausted from the interior volume, the resilient elastomeric valve element can at least substantially recover its position over the aperture, thereby sealing the interior volume.

In another particular aspect, the valve element can be a multi-plied structure including a lower base layer having an aperture disposed therein and a top layer made of an elastomeric material. The top layer is joined to the base layer and can displace with respect to the base layer so as to provide an expandable and collapsible channel between the aperture and an exit point on the periphery of the valve element. The two ply valve element is attached to the sidewall over a hole disposed therethrough. Because of the resilient characteristic of the top layer, it is normally maintained adjacently over the base layer and covering the aperture such that the channel is in a collapsed state and the interior volume is sealed. During evacuation, the elastomeric top layer elastically displaces to expand the channel which allows air from the interior volume to move to the exit point. After evacuation, the top layer again moves adjacent to the base layer thereby collapsing the channel and covering the aperture. In one specific aspect, the valve element can include a sealing member between the base layer and the top layer.

In another particular aspect, the one-way valve element for attachment to a plastic storage bag can include a rigid body delineating a cavity which can receive a gel-like material. When a pressure differential is applied across the valve element, the gel-like material can displace within the cavity to allow fluid communication across the valve element and thus air from the storage bag can be drawn through or forced across the valve element.

An advantage of valve elements and storage bags according to the invention is that the resilient elastomeric material enables the valve element to repeatedly and sufficiently seal themselves. Another advantage is that the valve elements and bags made with such valve element are inexpensive and simple to manufacture. These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings and the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible storage bag having attached to its sidewall a one-way valve element that can interface with a handheld evacuation device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 1 illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and illustrating the valve element in a normally recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and illustrating the valve element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element and storage bag of FIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing the valve element in a recovered position adjacent the sidewall.

FIG. 7 is an cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element and storage bag of FIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing the valve element in an elastically displaced position with respect to the aperture.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element of a multi-ply design showing the valve element in relation to the sidewall of a flexible storage bag.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a multi-ply valve element having an intermediate sealing member in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 11 showing the sealing member in a displaced position during evacuation.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a multi-ply valve element having a base layer including a boss and a top layer covering the boss.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 13 showing the top layer displaced with respect to the boss.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element having a body member providing a cavity and a gel-like plug received in the cavity.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 illustrating the valve element in a closed arrangement.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 illustrating the valve element in an opened arrangement.

FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 showing the valve element in a different opened arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Now referring to the drawings, wherein like references refer to like numerals, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a flexible storage bag 100 for storing items such as edible food stuffs. The storage bag 100 includes a first sidewall 102 and an opposing second sidewall 104 overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume 106 therebetween. The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 are joined along a first side edge 110, a parallel or non-parallel second side edge 112, and a closed bottom edge 114 that extends between the first and second side edges. The first and/or second sidewalls 102, 104 may be made from a flexible or pliable thermoplastic material formed or drawn into a smooth, thin walled sheet. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and can be formed in single or multiple layers. The thermoplastic material can be transparent, translucent, opaque, or tinted. Furthermore, the material used for the sidewalls can be a gas impermeable material. The sidewalls 102, 104 can be joined along the first and second side edges 110, 112 and bottom edge 114 by any suitable process such as, for example, heat sealing.

For accessing the interior volume 106, the top edges 120, 122 of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 remain unjoined to define an opening 124 that extends between the first and second side edges 110, 112 opposite the bottom edge 114. To seal the opening 124, first and second interlocking fastening strips 126, 128 can be attached to the interior surfaces of the respective first and second sidewalls 102, 104. The first and second fastening strips 126, 128 extend generally between the first and second side edges 110, 112 parallel to and spaced below the top edges 120, 122. The fastening strips 126, 128 can include complementary profiles that can interlockingly connect and release with each other when pressed together by the hands of a user. In other embodiments, the bag 100 can include a movable slider straddling the fastening strips 126, 128 to facilitate occluding and deoccluding of the opening 124. In other embodiments, the storage bag can include other closure mechanisms.

To evacuate the storage bag 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the storage bag includes a one-way valve element 130 that is attached to the first sidewall 102. Referring to FIG. 2, the one-way valve element 130 in the illustrated embodiment is a single strip or layer that can be rectangular in shape and can be made of elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can be any suitable elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). The elastomeric material can have an elastic property that allows the material to elastically expand from and resiliently recover at least substantially its initial shape. To enhance this elastic characteristic, the elastomeric material can have an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in).

Still referring to FIG. 2, the valve element 130 can be attached over an aperture 132 disposed through the first sidewall 102 to the interior volume. The illustrated aperture 132 is circular but in other embodiments can have any suitable shape. To attach the valve element 130, adhesive 134 can be applied on the first sidewall 102 at locations corresponding to the first and second ends 136, 138 of the rectangular strip of elastomeric material. In other embodiments, the adhesive can be applied to the underside of the valve element 130 itself and protected thereat by a peel off backing. When attached, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first and second ends 136, 138 of the valve element 130 are located on opposite sides of the aperture 132 with the middle portion of the valve element 130 adjacently covering the aperture. The elastomeric material can be slightly stretched or stressed so that the valve element is maintained adjacent to the aperture covering and sealing the aperture.

During evacuation, the valve element 130 can be interfaced with the nozzle of an evacuation device so that a suction force is applied above the valve element. Such a hand held evacuation device 129 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with respect to the valve element 130. Referring to FIG. 4, the pressure differential across the valve element 130 causes the elastic material to elastically expand and displace upwards from the sidewall 102 and thereby exposing the aperture 132 to the surrounding environment. Air from the interior volume 106 can then pass through the aperture and pass around the side edges of the rectangular strip to exit the storage bag. After the desired amount of air has been removed, the pressure differential across the valve element 130 is eliminated by, for example, removing the suction device. The resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material then causes the valve element 130 to recover to its initial position adjacent to the sidewall 102 and covering and sealing the aperture 132.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 3, in various embodiments the existence of an evacuated state or pressure in the interior volume can assist in holding the valve element 130 adjacent the first sidewall 102 and thereby improve sealing of the aperture 132. In fact, the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material may allow the valve element 130 to be partially drawn into the aperture 132 thereby causing the valve element 130 to function as a plug or stopper. Furthermore, the resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material can allow evacuation and sealing of the storage bag to occur numerous repeated times.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 230 for use with a flexible storage bag 200 in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The valve element 230 is again a single layer of elastomeric material that can be circular in shape. To attach the valve element 230 to the first sidewall 202 of the storage bag 200, two parallel strips of adhesive 234 can be placed across the underside of the valve element. When the valve element 230 is appropriately attached so as to cover an aperture 232 disposed through the sidewall 202, the adhesive strips 234 extend along either side of the aperture. Thus, the adhesive strips 234 thereby outline an expanding and collapsing channel 238 extending between the aperture and one or more exit points 240 on the periphery of the valve element and between the elastomeric material and the first sidewall 202.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 6, when the valve element 230 is in a normal or relaxed state, the elastomeric material within the channel 238 adjacently covers and seals the aperture 232. However, referring to FIG. 7, when a pressure differential between the interior volume 206 and the top surface of the valve element 230 exists, the elastomeric material in the region of the channel 238 elastically displaces from the first sidewall thereby allowing communication between the aperture 232 and the exit points 240 at the periphery. Hence, the aperture 232 is exposed to the surrounding environment. Because of the resilient character of the material, the elastomeric material within the channel 238 can again recover at least substantially its normal position adjacent the sidewall 202 covering the aperture 232.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, there is illustrated an additional feature of the valve element 230 that assists the valve element in sealing the aperture 232. In various embodiments, a sealant material 242 can be included in the channel 238 between the elastomeric material of the valve element 230 and the first sidewall 202 above and/or around the aperture 232. The sealant can be an oil such as silicone oil, a semi-rigid material such as gel, a gel adhesive, and/or a jelly. Typically, gels include at least one block co-polymer that will bind to a liquid such as mineral oil thereby enabling the oil to become semi-rigid. An advantage of using semi-rigid materials as sealants is that the materials are less likely to leak or displace from the channel 238. Referring to FIG. 6, when the channel 238 is collapsed and the valve element 230 covers the aperture 232, the sealant material can lay directly adjacent the aperture improving the seal. When a pressure differential displaces the valve element 230 and thereby expands the channel, the sealant material 242 can displace with the valve element to expose the aperture 232.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 330 for use with a flexible storage bag 300 in accordance with another aspect of the invention. In particular, the illustrated valve element 330 is a multi-plied or multi-layered valve element including a base layer 332 and a top layer 334, both of which can be generally circular in shape and corresponding in size. The top layer 334 can be comprised of an elastomeric material. The base layer 332 can be made of any suitable material including, for example, a flexible thermoplastic sheet material, a rigid thermoplastic material, or an elastomeric material. Further, the base layer 332 can have a centrally disposed aperture 336 therein. The top layer 334 is secured adjacently to the base layer 332 so as to cover and seal the central aperture 336. To secure the layers together, two parallel strips of adhesive 340 are placed therebetween which outline an expanding and contracting channel 348 extending between the aperture and one or more exit points 344 on the periphery of the valve element 330 and between the layers.

The valve element 330 is then attached to the first sidewall 302 so that the central aperture 336 generally aligns with an aperture 308 disposed therein. To attach the valve element, a circular strip of adhesive 342 can be applied on the underside of the base layer 332 concentrically about the central aperture 336 and sidewall aperture 308. In various embodiments, to facilitate handling and distribution of the valve element 330, a peel off backing 346 can be provided over the adhesive 342 which can be removed prior to attachment of the valve element to the bag sidewall. In another embodiment, the peel off backing may be a continuous strip of plastic and several valves are attached to the strip of plastic. The strip of plastic may be rolled up into a roll and the valves can be removed from the roll as the bags are made during a continuous operation. Referring to FIG. 10, during evacuation, a pressure differential is applied across the valve element 330 between the interior volume 306 and the top surface of the top layer 334, the top layer elastically displaces thereby expanding the channel 348 and establishing communication between the aperture 336 and the exit points 344. Referring to FIG. 9, after the air from the interior volume 306 has passed through the channel 348 and out the exit points 344, the top layer 334 can at least substantially resiliently recover its initial position adjacent the base layer 332 thereby collapsing the channel 348 and covering the apertures.

Illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is another embodiment of a multi-ply one-way valve element 430 attached to the flexible plastic sidewall 402 of a storage bag 400. The valve 430 may have any suitable shape, for example, a circular shape or a polygon shape, such as, a rectangle or a square. The multi-ply valve element 430 includes a base layer 432 and an elastomeric top layer 434. The base layer 432 can be made from a rigid, semi-rigid, or thin and flexible thermoplastic material and can have an aperture 436 disposed through the center. The top layer 434 can be comprised from a thin sheet or web of elastomeric material and can be attached to the base layer 432 generally about the periphery of the valve element 430 by, for example, adhesive 440. Located between the base and top layer can be a sealing member 438. The sealing member may have a circular shape. The sealing member 438 can generally be aligned with the aperture 436 in the base member 432 by influence of the adhesive 440 around the outer periphery. When attached to the bag 400, both the aperture 436 and thus the sealing member 438 can align with another aperture 408 disposed through the bag sidewall 402.

The sealing member can be comprised of any suitable material including, for example, natural rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers, such as Dynaflex from GLS Corporation), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel (such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as, 555-8808 from National Starch). Moreover, the sealing member 438 can be retained loosely between the base and top layers 432, 434 or can be fixed to the top layer by, for example, adhesive.

In operation, referring to FIG. 11, the elastomeric material of the top layer 334 has a normal condition in which it typically lies adjacent to the base layer 432 and thereby holds the sealing member 438 against the base layer so as to cover the aperture 436. Hence, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the valve element 430 has a closed arrangement whereby air in the storage bag cannot pass across the valve element. However, if a pressure differential is applied about the valve element 430 such that pressure inside the storage bag 400 becomes greater than outside, the un-adhered portions of the elastic top layer 432 displace with respect to the base layer 434, thereby also allowing the sealing member 438 to displace and uncover the aperture 436. Hence, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the valve element has an opened arrangement in which air from the storage bag can pass through the sidewall aperture 408 and base layer aperture 436 to exit the bag. After evacuation, the resilient nature of the elastic top layer material causes the top layer 434 to recover to its normal condition adjacent the base such that the sealing member 438 again covers the aperture 436. In another embodiment, the base layer can be excluded and the elastomeric top layer can be attached directly to the bag sidewall generally overlying a sidewall hole. The sealing member may be located between the top layer and sidewall.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated another embodiment of a multi-layered, one-way valve element 530 for attachment to the thermoplastic sidewall 502 of a storage bag 500. The valve element 530 includes a base layer 532 and an elastomeric top layer 534 attached to the base layer. The valve element 530 including the base layer 532 and top layer 534 can have a circular shape. To attach the base layer 532 to the top layer 534, an adhesive 550 can be placed between the layers about the periphery. The base layer 532 itself can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as, for example, a thermoplastic material. Moreover, the base layer 532 can include a central aperture 536 disposed therethrough. On an upper surface 548 of the base layer 532 generally about the central aperture 536 can be a protruding boss 552 that can be generally circular in shape and can have a diameter that is substantially smaller than the diameter of the base layer 532. In various embodiments, the boss 552 can protrude above the upper surface 548 in a range from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

Referring to FIG. 13, the elastic top layer 534 can be attached so as to have a normal condition generally adjacent to the base layer 532 including the boss 552 and thereby covering the aperture 536. Hence, in the normal condition, the valve element 530 is closed and air from the plastic bag 500 or from the surrounding environment cannot pass across the valve element. When so attached, the upward protrusion of the boss 552 and its flat top surface can induce a sufficiently tight sealing arrangement between the elastic top layer 534 and the base layer 532. To attach the top layer 534 to the base layer 532, adhesive 550 can be placed between the base and top layer generally about the periphery. Further, when the valve element 530 is attached to the bag 500, the aperture 536 in the base layer 532 can align with an aperture disposed through the bag sidewall 502. The top layer 534 can be made of any suitable elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).

When a pressure differential is applied about the valve element 530 such that the pressure inside the bag 500 is higher than outside the bag, relatively pressurized air from the internal volume 506 will cause the un-adhered portion of the elastic top layer 534 to displace with respect to the base layer 532 and the boss 552. Hence, the displaced top layer 534 uncovers the aperture 536 so that the valve element 530 is in an opened configuration and that air from the interior volume can pass through the aperture to exit the bag. Because of the resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material, after the pressure differential has been removed, the top layer 534 can recover its normal position adjacent to the base layer 532 and the boss 552.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 630 for use with an evacuable storage bag which utilizes a gel-like material. The valve element 630 can include a rigid valve body including a tubular sidewall 636 which is closed at a first end 644 by a base 632. The tubular sidewall 636 and base portion 632 thereby delineate or provide a generally enclosed cavity 638. As illustrated, the tubular sidewall 636 can be cylindrical and the base portion 632 can be circular having a larger diameter than the sidewall so as to provide a flange-like structure. Likewise, the generally enclosed cavity 638 can also have a cylindrical shape. Disposed through the bottom surface 634 of the base portion 632 to the cavity 638 can be an aperture 640. When the valve element 630 is attached to the storage bag 600, the aperture 640 can align with a hole 608 disposed through the sidewall 602. The valve body can be made of any suitable material including, for example, a substantially rigid, molded thermoplastic.

To normally seal the aperture 640 and sidewall hole 608, a gel-like material 650 can be placed and retained in the cavity 638 generally adjacent the base portion 632. Hence, the gel-like material can act or function to plug the cavity. The gel-like material can have a jelly-like or semi-liquid-like consistency. Examples of suitable gel-like materials may include hydrocarbon gel (such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as, 555-8808 from National Starch). To help retain the gel-like material 650 within the cavity 638, the second or upper end 646 of the tubular sidewall 636 can include one or more inward projecting fingers 642 that partially traverse the cavity 638. The fingers can function to both retain and protect the gel-like material within the cavity.

Because of the jelly-like or semi-liquid-like consistency, the gel-like material 650 can displace within the cavity 638 when a pressure differential is applied across the valve element 630. Specifically, referring to FIG. 17, the gel-like material 650 can displace by rupturing generally within the area over the aperture 640 so as to provide or form a channel 652 extending from the aperture to the cavity 638. Hence, air can be drawn or forced from the bag 600 via the aperture 640 and channel 652. Once the pressure differential is removed, the gel-like material 650 recovers its original shape and position within the cavity 638 covering the aperture 640 as shown in FIG. 16. In another embodiment illustrated with respect to FIG. 18, a gel-like material 651 can be placed in the cavity as a continuous layer of material. When the pressure differential is applied across the valve element, a portion of the layer can displace like a flapper valve uncovering the aperture 640 and hence air can move across the valve element. After the pressure differential has been removed, the gel-like material 651 can again drop adjacent the base portion 632 covering the aperture 640.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A storage bag comprising: a first flexible sidewall; a second flexible sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume; and a one-way valve element including a layer comprising elastomeric material, the one-way valve element adhered over an aperture disposed through the first sidewall.
 2. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein layer is rectangular-shaped.
 3. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the layer is circular-shaped.
 4. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein elastomeric material is selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).
 5. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material has an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in.).
 6. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member between the elastomeric layer and the sidewall.
 7. The storage bag of claim 6, wherein the sealing member has a generally circular, disk-like shape.
 8. The storage bag of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel, and gel adhesive.
 9. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a sealant material disposed between the layer and the sidewall.
 10. The storage bag of claim 9, wherein sealant material is selected from the group consisting of an oil, a gel and a jelly.
 11. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second sidewalls are joined along a first side edge, a parallel second side edge, and a closed bottom edge extending between the first and second side edges.
 12. The storage bag of claim 11, wherein the interior volume is accessible through an open top edge.
 13. The storage bag of claim 12, further comprising first and second interlocking fastening strips extending along the open top edge.
 14. A one-way valve element for a storage bag comprising: a base layer having an aperture disposed therein; a top layer comprising an elastomeric material, the top layer joined to the base layer and covering the aperture, the top layer and base layer being joined so as to provide an expandable and collapsible channel between the aperture and an exit point on the valve element.
 15. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the valve element including the base layer and the top layer are generally circular in shape.
 16. The storage bag of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).
 17. The storage bag of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material has an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in.).
 18. The storage bag of claim 14, further comprising a sealing member between the base layer and the top layer.
 19. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the sealing member has a generally circular, disk-like shape.
 20. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the sealing member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel, and gel adhesive.
 21. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the base layer and the top layer are joined by adhesive.
 22. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the base layer comprises a flexible thermoplastic material.
 23. The one-way valve element of claim 14, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the base layer opposite the top layer, and a peel-off backing overlaying the adhesive layer.
 24. A method of evacuating a storage bag comprising: proving a bag including a flexible sidewall providing an interior volume, an opening for accessing the interior volume, and a one-way valve element of elastomeric material attached over an aperture disposed through the sidewall; closing the opening; displacing a portion of the one-way valve element with respect to the sidewall and the aperture to expose the aperture; exhausting air from the interior volume through the aperture; and covering the aperture with the one-way valve element.
 25. A one-way valve element comprising: a substantially rigid valve body including a sidewall having a cavity disposed therein; and a gel-like material retained within and normally plugging the cavity.
 26. The one-way valve element of claim 25, wherein the rigid valve body includes a base portion joined to a first end of the tubular sidewall and partially closing off the cavity, the base portion having an aperture disposed through the cavity.
 27. The one-way valve element of claim 26, wherein the rigid valve body includes at a second end of the tubular sidewall a plurality of fingers extending partially across the cavity.
 28. The one-way valve element of claim 25, wherein the gel-like material is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon gel, and gel adhesive.
 29. A flexible storage bag comprising: a first sidewall of pliable thermoplastic material; a second sidewall of pliable thermoplastic material overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume accessible via an opening; and a one-way valve element including a rigid valve body providing a cavity, and a displaceable gel-like material retained within the cavity, the one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall generally over a hole disposed through the first sidewall. 